Russell Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this Tuesday, responding to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's remarks pointed to the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute
Wilson's response came after Payton made remarks after Denver's remarkable comeback victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson over Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million contract.
- The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year before Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
- The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that ensured the player from suffering an injury.
If Wilson stayed on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his coach.
